Tlaxcala Part III: Around The Zocalo

During my September 2013 trip to Puebla, Mexico, I took a day and detoured to the state of Tlaxcala. While there, I had already visited part of the city, including the Basilica Ocotlan, one of the highlights of Mexican Baroque architecture. Walking back down the hill, I passed several other notable buildings. The Xicohtencatl Theater was built by 1873, and is an important civic landmark.

Further along, I passed the ex-Legislative Palace. Built in the 19th Century, it was used until 1982. The interior has a wonderful stairway with a large bronze sculpture of Benito Juarez.

Entering the Zocalo, or main square, I came upon the Government Palace. This building takes an entire side of the square. Inside are beautiful murals depicting the history of Mexico. They were created from 1956-2000 by Desiderio Hernandez Xochitiotzin. These murals cover many surfaces inside the public spaces of the Government Palace.

Murals

Around the corner on a plaza sits the beautiful Parroquia de San Jose. Built in the early 17th century, it has a beautiful Talavera-tiled facade. The tower is neoclassical in style. The body of the church is a deep orange color. This is a very attractive and photogenic building.

Parroquia de San Jose, Tlaxcala

Back on the Zocalo sits a beautiful building now known as the Palacio de Justica. It was once, however, a royal chapel. Built in 1528, it was not “royal” in the sense of being used by Spanish royalty — instead, it was for local Mexicans of noble birth. It was paid for by the Cuatro Senores.